Finnish Nurses’ Views on End-of-Life Discussions and a Comparison with Physicians’ Views

• DOI: 10.1191/0969733004ne681oa
• Publication Date: 2004-04-26T22:25:36Z
• Authors: Hanna-Mari Hildén; Pekka Louhiala; Marja-Liisa Honka...; Jorma Palo
• Keywords: Living Wills; Confusion; Do not resuscitate; Terminally ill; End-of-Life Care

This study investigated Finnish nurses’ experiences and views on end-of-life decision making compared them with physicians’ views. For this purpose, a questionnaire was sent to 800 nurses, of which 51% responded. Most the nurses had positive attitude towards respect for living wills, more often than physicians. also believed that will an effect making. Almost all considered it their responsibility talk physicians about respecting wills. Do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders were interpreted imply partial or complete palliative (symptom-orientated) care, may cause confusion. Half reported DNR discussed always patient who able communicate; in respect. Surprisingly, many (44%) stated active treatment continued too long. Two-thirds thought opinions taken into account sufficiently, even though only half that, general, they some impact.